Don't Ignore Your Core!

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. –1 Timothy 4:8 NLT

When I worked as a personal trainer, I had a client named Lynne. Despite her many attempts to get in shape, Lynne had been unable to achieve long- term success. She had tried various programs and diet plans on her own but couldn't make progress in controlling her weight. Lynne hired me because she was desperate for change. She recognized that without accountability in this area of her life, she would never reach her goals.

I still remember the day we met. The scowl on her face said it all: the gym was the last place in the world she wanted to be.

During our first workout, Lynne informed me, "I hate to exercise." I thought, This should be interesting. However, I knew she had potential. As the owner of a thriving human resources firm, Lynne had already demonstrated self-discipline in building her company. She just needed to learn how to apply that determination to her health.

I began meeting with Lynne three times per week, instructing her in various cardiovascular and weight training exercises. Mostly, though, we focused on strengthening her core, the group of muscles in the center of the body that work together to produce movement.

The transformation that occurred in Lynne in the first few months was incredible. As she performed the exercises I prescribed, her energy level soared and her body size got smaller. Her attitude toward the gym also changed. She no longer despised her workouts. Instead she looked forward to them! Once Lynne experienced the benefits of a well-balanced core, she was all in. There was no way she was going to quit.

Nearly fifteen years later Lynne is still going strong. Even though she admits to seasons of inactivity, she hasn't given up. In July 2012, she completed two half marathons, and she plans to finish her first marathon in 2014 at age fifty-four. What began as a dreaded duty for Lynne has become a lifelong habit, one that has reaped huge rewards in every area of her life.

At this point, you may be thinking, Well, that's a nice story. I'm happy for Lynne, but what does that have to do with my relationship with God?

Everything.

You see, just as you have a physical core, you also possess a spiritual core. The Bible tells us about it in Mark 12:30: "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength" (NLT).

Your spiritual core consists of four "muscles" — your heart, soul, mind, and strength. When you're healthy in all of these areas, you're free to move as God leads. However, if you allow your spiritual muscles to atrophy, you prevent yourself from attaining your full potential in Christ. Instead of having joy and peace, you become weighed down by depression and anxiety. You're vulnerable to attacks from the Enemy and powerless to resist temptation.

What is the condition of your spiritual core? Could your muscles use some fine-tuning, or do they need an overhaul?

No matter what your fitness level is, the program provided in this book can help you achieve greater health. Think of me as your personal trainer. I'll show you what it takes to get in better spiritual shape. I promise to push you to do more than you would do on your own. You and I will work together to reach your goals, so you can be spiritually strong. In this training program, you will learn to

• study the Bible and understand what God is saying to you,

• pray with power,

• incorporate periodic fasting into your life,

• honor God with your body through nutritious eating and exercise,

• practice good stewardship of the resources God has given you,

• serve others in humility as a demonstration of God's love,

• experience the joy that accompanies self-discipline.

God's Promise to You

In case you feel overwhelmed, let me remind you of something: you aren't doing this program on your own, because "the Lord is with you when you are with him" (2 Chron. 15:2). Not only is God right by your side; he has already provided for your success! His divine power has given you every- thing you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), including the self-control and motivation to complete this core conditioning program.

How This Book Will Help You

Spiritually Strong provides the information, instruction, encouragement, and accountability you need to strengthen your spiritual core muscles. The book is divided into three main parts:

PART 1: "The Core"

PART 2: "The Exercises"

PART 3: "The Program"

Part 1 presents the muscles of the physical and spiritual core, with an introduction to the exercises that strengthen them and a discussion about the importance of self-discipline in training.

Part 2 explains the six essential exercises for training the core: Bible study, prayer, fasting, healthy living, financial stewardship, and serving others.

Part 3 helps you name goals for your core conditioning program, establish a training schedule, and set the stage for your success. In this section, you'll implement the spiritual and physical exercises during a six-week Bible study.

I'm thankful the Lord led you to this book. I believe he's going to use it to bless your life in many ways. May God fill you with his power as you train yourself in godliness!

Training Your Core

A few years ago, I struggled with constant throbbing in my lower legs. Assuming it was shin splints, I did everything I could to reduce the inflammation. I applied ice, rested, and took ibuprofen. However, the aching persisted. After dealing with this issue for several months, I finally went to the doctor. He ordered an X-ray and an MRI, thinking I might have stress fractures. Surprisingly, both tests were clear of any abnormalities. Although I was thankful nothing was seriously damaged, I was frustrated.

My husband, who works as a physical therapist, was equally discouraged. His job is to repair broken people, and it bothered him that he couldn't help me. However, one day God gave my husband insight into my situation. Justin told me, "We've been treating the wrong part of your body. I think the pain in your legs is actually coming from your lower back."

Turns out, he was right. What I felt is known as referred pain, which is pain perceived at a location other than the site of the pathology. Instead of feeling pain where the problem is, I felt it in a different part of my body.

In my case,...